Johnathon Banks opens up about Wladimir Klitschko's rumored return to boxing.
Banks, Klitschko's former trainer, recently spoke with IFL TV and was asked about whether or not he believes the long-time heavyweight king will come out of retirement. Banks simply stated the 43-year-old Klitschko is likely not returning to the ring based on previous conversations the two sides have had.
"I could tell you this. Wladimir Klitschko didn't contemplate retirement. He made a decision and he retired. You don't contemplate things. Either he's gonna do it or he's not. As far as him coming back, from my conversations with him personally, no," Banks said.
Klitschko retired from boxing in 2017 after losing a fight against Anthony Joshua for the unified WBA and IBF heavyweight titles. Since then, Klitschko remained silent on a potential comeback up until a few months ago when rumors started circulating that he was preparing to fight once more. Speculation was further fueled recently when Klitschko tweeted about the two-year anniversary of his fight against Joshua and used the term "so far" when looking back on his boxing career.
In regards to the recent tweet, Banks has an idea of why Klitschko would use that kind of phrasing.
"I honestly think he's playing on the emotions of the public. I honestly believe that," Banks said.
Banks took over as Klitschko's trainer after the passing of Emanuel Steward, Klitschko's previous trainer whom Banks was a disciple of. Nowadays, Banks is focusing on working with Gennadiy Golovkin after the former middleweight champion announced that he will be training him from now on. The full interview can be seen in the video above.
